Gatlinburg , United States

Over the Top Tour in Oconaluftee

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(21 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This tour travels over the crest of the Smokies from Tennessee into North Carolina. Along the way we'll experience one of the most scenic roads in the Southeast along with several panoramic mountain vistas. When we arrive in the Oconaluftee Valley we'll visit historic structures learning about the culture of the native Cherokee and European-descended mountaineers. While exploring this historic valley, we'll keep an eye out for elk. The largest animal in the Smokies, they were reintroduced by the park service in 2001.

Available options

Over the Top Tour in Oconaluftee

What's included

Bottled water

Snacks

Detailed itinerary

The visitor center located at the Cherokee, NC, entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to the Oconaluftee Mountain Farm Museum. Additionally, its fields are home to dozens of elk, the largest animal found in the Smokies. Guests have time to explore the exhibits and gift shop.

The most scenic road in the southeast, this 33-mile route snakes through the mountains as it crosses the Newfound Gap at higher than 5,000 feet elevation. We'll make several stops for scenic vistas.

Stop 3

Built in 1886, this historic grist mill demonstrates how mountaineers ground corn and wheat.

Adjacent to the Oconaluftee Visitor's Center, the Mountain Farm Museum is a unique collection of farm buildings assembled from locations throughout the national park. Visitors can explore a log farmhouse, barn, apple house, springhouse, and a working blacksmith shop to get a sense of how families may have lived 100 years ago. Most of the structures were built in the late 19th century and were moved here in the 1950s. The Davis House offers a rare chance to view a log house built from chestnut wood before the chestnut blight decimated the American Chestnut in our forests during the 1930s and early 1940s.

We'll be on the look out for elk at several locations around Oconaluftee and the Cherokee, NC, entrance to the park including the Oconaluftee River Trail and other fields and meadows.

What's not included

Car seats- please provide your own car seat for children that are too small for a regular seat belt

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

5 reviews

5★

4★

3★

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1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

16 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please provide your own infant/booster seat if needed

Meeting point

On Banner Road off of Highway 441/321 just north of Gatlinburg.

About Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a charming mountain city nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Known for its stunning natural beauty, family-friendly attractions, and rich Appalachian culture, it's a year-round destination offering outdoor adventures, scenic views, and a welcoming small-town atmosphere.

Top Attractions

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The most visited national park in the US, offering stunning mountain scenery, diverse wildlife, and numerous hiking trails.

Nature Half day to full day Free entry

Gatlinburg Space Needle

A 400-foot observation tower offering panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg.

Entertainment 1-2 hours Moderate

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

A popular aquarium featuring a wide variety of marine life, interactive exhibits, and a penguin habitat.

Entertainment 2-3 hours Moderate to Expensive

Ober Gatlinburg

A year-round amusement park and ski area offering activities like skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and an alpine coaster.

Entertainment Half day to full day Moderate to Expensive

Anakeesta

An outdoor adventure park with treetop trails, zip lines, and scenic views of the Smoky Mountains.

Adventure Half day to full day Moderate to Expensive

Must-Try Local Dishes

Fried Catfish

Crispy fried catfish, often served with hushpuppies and coleslaw

Main Course Not vegetarian or vegan

Biscuits and Gravy

Fluffy biscuits smothered in savory sausage gravy

Breakfast Can be made vegetarian with vegetable gravy

Mountain Trout

Freshly caught trout, often grilled or fried

Main Course Not vegetarian or vegan

Apple Stack Cake

A traditional Appalachian cake made with layers of spiced apples and cake

Dessert Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains Zip-lining at Anakeesta Mountain coaster rides Scenic drives through the Smokies Visiting spas and wellness centers Dining with a view Exploring the Arts and Crafts Community Visiting local museums

Best Time to Visit

June to August, October (fall foliage season)

Summer brings warm weather and outdoor activities, while fall offers stunning foliage and cooler temperatures. Crowds are highest during these times, especially in October.

18-30°C (summer), 5-20°C (fall) 64-86°F (summer), 41-68°F (fall)

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Eastern Time Zone (ET) (GMT-5:00)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Gatlinburg is generally a safe destination, but visitors should take common precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious when using ATMs
• Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas

Getting there

By air

McGhee Tyson Airport • 45 miles (72 km) from Gatlinburg
Knoxville Airport • 50 miles (80 km) from Gatlinburg

By bus

Gatlinburg Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

A convenient and scenic way to get around town. Trolleys are frequent and easy to use.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community The Village

Day trips

Pigeon Forge

7 miles (11 km) • Half day to full day

A nearby town known for its entertainment attractions, shopping, and dining.

Cades Cove

16 miles (26 km) • Full day

A scenic valley in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with historic cabins and wildlife.

Cherokee National Forest

30 miles (48 km) • Full day

A vast forest offering hiking, camping, and scenic drives.

Festivals

Gatlinburg's Winter Magic • November to February Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair • August (annual event) Gatlinburg's Smoky Mountain Christmas • November to January

Pro tips

Visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park early in the morning to avoid crowds and see wildlife
Take the aerial tramway or scenic chairlift for stunning views of the mountains
Explore the Arts and Crafts Community for unique souvenirs and to support local artisans
Try local specialties like fried catfish, biscuits and gravy, and apple stack cake
Book accommodations and popular attractions well in advance, especially during peak seasons